Cartridge, a Machine, a System and a Method for the Preparation of Beverages

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous medium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or more beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges. The brew head comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being movable relative to one another from an open position in which said beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closed position in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in a brew head space defined between the first and second parts. The first part of the brew head comprises a clamping member which extends within the brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distal end of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance from one another when the first and second parts are in the closed position. While in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member and the second part. A beverage cartridge, a beverage preparation system and a method of preparing a single serving of a filtered beverage are also claimed.

The present invention relates to a cartridge, a machine and a system forthe preparation of beverages.

It is known to provide machines and systems for the preparation ofsingle servings of beverages such as coffee, tea and chocolate fromcartridges contained a pre-measured quantity of one or more beverageingredients. The strength of the beverage dispensed can be varied bydiluting the ingredients or the brewed composition using a supply ofwater. However, with some beverages such as coffee there is a demand forstronger beverages and or larger quantities of beverage in a singleserving. Attempts have been made to provide concentrated beverageingredients, in granular or liquid form, to allow larger and or strongerbeverages to be dispensed from a cartridge of fixed volume. Howeverthese attempts have generally not proved successful due in part todifferences in taste between granular and liquid based, composition andcompositions based on roasted and ground ingredients. Another solutionis simply to use larger cartridges for larger volume beverages. However,this normally requires the use of a separate machine for each cartridgesize or the utilisation of complicated clamping mechanisms which canadopt separate modes for clamping different cartridges. This results inexpensive arrangements which can be difficult to operate.

According to the present invention there is provided a beveragepreparation machine comprising a brew head for receiving beveragecartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueous mediumthrough said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one or morebeverage ingredients contained in said cartridges, the brew headcomprising a first part and a second part, the first and second partsbeing movable relative to one another from on open position in whichsaid beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closedposition in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in abrew head space defined between the first and second parts, the firstpart of the brew head comprising a clamping member which extends withinthe brew head space part-way-towards the second part such that a distalend of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance fromone another when the first and second parts are in the closed position,wherein in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped inthe brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member andthe second part.

Advantageously, the clamping arrangement of the present invention allowsfor a simplified arrangement which accommodates beverage cartridges ofvarious sizes using a single mods of operation. This results in amachine which is easier to operate. In addition the mechanism isinexpensive and not prone to breakdown since the mechanism does not needto be altered or adjusted to accommodate different sized cartridges. Theuse of a fixed distance between the clamping member and the second partresults in a uniform compressive force being applied to the cartridgesirrespective of their size. This improves the consistency of operationof the machine.

Preferably the clamping member is located at or near a centre of thefirst part so as to clamp a beverage cartridge received in the brew headat or near a centre thereof.

Preferably the clamping member comprises an extension which co-operatesin use with a recess of the beverage cartridge.

The brew head space may have a volume of greater than 50 ml. The brewhead space may have a height of between 15 and 30 mm.

In one aspect the clamping member extends towards the second part adistance between 50 and 70% of the height of the brew space. Theclamping member may extend towards the second part a distance ofapproximately 60% of the height of the brew space.

In use, beverage cartridges of at least too heights may be clamped inthe brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member andthe second part.

The present invention also provides a beverage cartridge comprising astorage volume containing one or mote beverage ingredients andcomprising an outer surface having an elongated recess which extendstowards an opposed surface of the cartridge a distance between 50 and70% of the height of the beverage cartridge, the recess being suitablefor receiving in use a clamping member of a beverage preparationmachine, wherein the recess defines a clamping surface for said clampingmember.

The storage volume for ore or more beverage ingredients may be between40 and 60 ml. In one aspect the storage volume for the one or morebeverage ingredients is greater than or equal to 50 ml.

The height of the cartridge may be greater than 25 mm.

The present invention further provides a beverage preparation systemcomprising a beverage preparation machine as described above and aplurality of beverage cartridges of various heights, wherein each ofsaid beverage cartridges comprises a first clamping surface on a firstside of the beverage cartridge and a second clamping surface on anopposed side of the beverage cartridge, wherein the first and secondclamping surfaces of each of the beverage cartridges are separated by auniform distance equal to or marginally greater than the distancebetween the clamping member and the second part of the beveragepreparation machine when in a closed position.

Preferably each of the beverage cartridges comprises a recess on thefirst side thereof and the first clamping surface is provided at or neara bottom of said recess.

Preferably, with the first and second parts of the brew head in theclosed position, the clamping member is extendable within the recesssuch that the distal end of the clamping member is contactable with thefirst clamping surface.

In one aspect the brew head space may be greater than 50 ml.

Preferably the beverage cartridges comprise cartridges of at least twoheights which may be clamped in the brew head space between the distalend of the clamping member and the second part.

In one aspect the beverage cartridges comprise a first cartridge type ofa first height and storage volume and a second cartridge type of asecond height and storage volume greater than the first cartridge type.Preferably the first cartridge type has a height of less than 18 mm anda storage volume of less than 35 ml. Preferably the second cartridgetype has a height of greater than 25 mm and a storage volume of greaterthan or equal to 35 ml.

The present invention further provides a method of dispensing a singleserving of a filtered beverage comprising the steps of:

providing a beverage cartridge containing one or more beverageingredients suitable for brewing in a storage volume;

passing an aqueous medium through the one or more beverage ingredientsto thereby form a filtered beverage;

dispensing said filtered beverage from the cartridge into a receptacle;

wherein the storage volume of the beverage cartridge is between 40 and60 ml;

wherein the volume of the dispensed beverage is greater than 400 ml.

The volume of the dispensed beverage may be greater than 600 ml. Thevolume of the dispensed beverage may be greater than 700 ml. Preferablythe beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee. Also, instantcoffee, instant tea or leaf tea may be used.

Optionally the method further comprises the steps of:

providing a second beverage cartridge containing one or more beverageingredients suitable for foaming in a storage volume;

passing an aqueous medium through the one or more beverage ingredientsto thereby form a foamed beverage portion;

dispensing said foamed beverage portion from the cartridge into areceptacle to thereby form a cappuccino-style beverage;

wherein the storage volume of the second beverage cartridge is between40 and 60 ml; and

wherein the volume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion is greaterthan 200 ml.

The volume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion may be greater than300 ml. The foamable beverage ingredient may comprise a liquid milk ormilk-based product or chocolate-based products.

In the following description the terms “upper” and “lower” andequivalents will be used to describe the relational positioning offeatures of the invention. The terms “upper” and “lower” and equivalentsshould be understood to refer to the cartridge (or other components) inits normal orientation for insertion into the beverage preparationmachine and subsequent dispensing. In addition, the terms “inner” and“outer” and equivalents will be used to describe the relationalpositioning of features of the invention. The terms “inner” and “outer”and equivalents should be understood to refer to relative positions inthe cartridge (or other components) being, respectively, nearer orfurther from a centre or major axis X of the cartridge (or othercomponent).

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a front perspective view of a beverage preparation machineof the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a front perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 a with abrew head in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 a with someparts omitted for clarity;

FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 a withsome parts omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brew head of the machine of FIG. 1 awith some parts omitted for clarity;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the brew head of the machine ofFIG. 1 a with some parts omitted for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the brew head in a closed positionaccommodating a second embodiment of beverage cartridge according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the brew head in an open positionillustrated containing the second embodiment of cartridge of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic layout of the machine of FIG. 1 a;

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are schematic layouts of first and second coderecognition means for the machine of FIG. 1 a; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a beverage cartridge of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is cross-sectional drawing of an outer member of a firstembodiment of cartridge of the present invention which may be used inthe beverage preparation machine of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member ofFIG. 11 showing an inwardly directed cylindrical extension;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional drawing of a detail of the outer member ofFIG. 11 showing a slot;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of the outer member of FIG. 11in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 16 is a plan view from above of the outer member of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional drawing of an inner member of thecartridge;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view from above of the inner member of FIG. 17in an inverted orientation;

FIG. 20 is a plan view from above of the inner member of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional drawing of the first embodiment ofcartridge in an assembled condition; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional drawing of a second embodiment of cartridgeaccording to the present invention.

BEVERAGE PREPARATION SYSTEM

A beverage preparation machine 201 of the beverage preparation system ofthe present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 a to 9 b. The beveragepreparation machine 201 generally comprises a housing 210 containing awater tank 220, a water heater 225, a water pump 230, an air compressor235, a control processor, a user interface 240 and a brew head 250. Thebrew head 250 in turn generally comprises a holder 251, recognitionmeans 252 and inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254.

The beverage preparation machine 201 is designed to be capable ofdispensing beverage ingredients from inserts in the form of cartridges 1such as that illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 22.

Cartridges for use in the System

FIGS. 10 to 21 illustrate a first embodiment of the cartridge 1. Thecartridge 1 generally comprises an outer member 2, an inner member 3 anda laminate 5. The outer member 2, inner member 3 and laminate 5 areassembled to form the cartridge 1 which has an interior 120 forcontaining one or more beverage ingredients, an inlet 121, an outlet 122and a beverage flow path linking the inlet 121 to the outlet 122 andwhich passes through the interior 120. The inlet 121 and outlet 122 areinitially sealed by the laminate 5 and are opened in use by piercing orcutting of the laminate 5. The beverage flow path is defined by spatialinter-relationships between the outer member 2, inner member 3 andlaminate 5 as discussed below. Other components may optionally beincluded in the cartridge 1, such as a filter 4, as will be describedfurther below.

The cartridge 1 is particularly designed for use in dispensing filteredproducts such as roast and ground coffee or leaf tea. However, thecartridge 1 may be used with other products such as chocolate, coffee,tea, sweeteners, cordials, flavourings, alcoholic beverages, flavouredmilk, fruit juices, squashes, sauces and desserts.

As can be seen from FIG. 15, the overall shape of the cartridge 1 isgenerally circular or disc-shaped with the diameter of the cartridge 1being significantly greater than its height. A major axis X passesthrough the centre of the outer member as shown in FIG. 11. Typicallythe overall diameter of the outer member 2 is 68.5 mm±6 mm and theoverall height is 16 mm±3 mm. Typically the volume of the cartridge 1when assembled is 30.2 ml±20%.

The outer member 2 generally composes a bowl-shaped shell 10 having acurved annular wall 13, a closed top 11 and an open bottom 12. Thediameter of the outer member 2 is smaller at the top 11 compared to thediameter at the bottom 12, resulting from a flaring of the annular wall13 as one traverses from the closed top 11 to the open bottom 12. Theannular wall 13 and closed bottom 11 together define a receptacle havingan interior 34.

A hollow inwardly directed cylindrical extension 18 is provided in theclosed top 11 centred on the major axis X. As more clearly shown in FIG.12, the interior surface of the cylindrical extension 18 comprises astepped profile having first, second and third portions 19, 20 and 21.The first portion 19 is right circular cylindrical. The second portion20 is frusto-conical in shape and is inwardly tapered. The third portion21 is another right circular cylinder and is closed off by a lower face31. The diameter of the first, second and third portion 19, 20 and 21incrementally decreases such that the diameter of the cylindricalextension 18 decreases as one traverses from the top 11 to the closedlower fate 31 of the cylindrical extension 18. A generally horizontalshoulder 32 is formed on the cylindrical extension 18 at the junctionbetween the second and third portions 20 and 21. From the outside, thecylindrical extension 18 forms a recess in the outer surface of thecartridge. A clamping surface 18 a is provided by the bottom of therecess as shown in FIG. 12. The use of the clamping surface 18 a will bedescribed below.

An outwardly extending shoulder 33 is formed in the outer member 2towards the bottom 12. The outwardly extending shoulder 33 forms asecondary wall 15 co-axial with the annular wall 13 so as to define anannular track forming a manifold 16 between the secondary wall 15 andthe annular wall 13. The manifold 16 passes around the circumference ofthe outer member 2. A series or slots 17 are provided in the annularwall 13 level with the manifold 16 to provide gas and liquidcommunication between the manifold 16 and the interior 34 of the outermember 2. As shown in FIG. 13, the slots 17 comprise vertical slits inthe annular wall 13. Between 20 and 40 slots are provided. In theembodiment shown thirty-seven slots 17 are provided generallyequi-spaced around the circumference of the manifold 16. The slots 17are preferably between 1.4 and 1.8 mm in length. Typically the length ofeach slot is 1.6 mm representing 10% of the overall height of the outermember 2. The width of each slot is between 0.25 and 0.33 mm. Typically,the width of each slot is 0.3 mm. The width of the slots 17 issufficiently narrow to prevent the beverage ingredients passingtherethrough into the manifold 16 either during storage or in use.

An inlet chamber 26 is formed in the outer member 2 at the periphery ofthe outer member 2. A cylindrical wall 27 is provided, as most clearlyshown in FIG. 15, which defines the inlet chamber 26 within, andpartitions the inlet chamber 26 from, the interior 34 of the outermember 2. The cylindrical wall 27 has a closed upper face 28 which isformed on a plane perpendicular to the major axis X and an open lowerend 29 co-planar with the bottom 12 of the outer member 2. The inletchamber 26 communicates with the manifold 16 via two slots 30 as shownin FIG. 11. Alternatively, between one and four slots may be used tocommunicate between the manifold 16 and the inlet chamber 26.

A lower end of the outwardly extending shoulder 33 is provided with anoutwardly extending flange 35 which extends perpendicularly to the majoraxis X. Typically the flange 35 has a width of between 2 and 4 mm. Aportion of the flange 35 is enlarged to form a handle 24 by which theouter member 2 may be held. The handle 24 is provided with an upturnedrim 25 to improve grip.

The outer member 2 is formed as a single integral piece from highdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, or alaminate of two or more of these materials. A suitable polypropylene isthe range of polymers available from DSM UK Limited (Redditch, UnitedKingdom). The outer member may be opaque, transparent or translucent.The manufacturing process may be injection moulding.

The inner member 3 as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, comprises an annularframe 41 and a downwardly extending cylindrical funnel 40. A major axisX passes through the centre of the inner member 3 as shown in FIG. 17.

As best shown in FIG. 18, the annular frame 41 comprises an outer rim 51and an inner hub 52 joined by ten equi-spaced radial spokes 53. Theinner hub 52 is integral with and extends from the cylindrical funnel40. Filtration apertures 55 are formed in the annular frame 41 betweenthe radial spokes 53. A filter 4 is disposed on the annular frame 41 soas to cover the filtration apertures 55. The filter is preferably madefrom a material with a high wet strength, for example a non-woven fibrematerial of polyester. Other materials which may be used include awater-impermeable cellulosic material, such as a cellulosic materialcomprising woven paper fibres. The woven paper fibres may be admixedwith fibres of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and/or polyethylene.The incorporation. of these plastic materials into the cellulosicmaterial renders the cellulosic material heat-sealable. The filter 4 mayalso be treated or coated with a material which is activated by heatand/or pressure so that it can be sealed to the annular frame 41 in thisway.

As shown in the cross-sectional profile of FIG. 17, the inner hub 52 islocated at a lower position than the outer rim 51, resulting in theannular frame 41 having a sloping lower profile.

The upper surface of each spoke 53 is provided with an upstanding web 54which divides a void space above the annular frame 41 into a pluralityof passages 57. Each passage 57 is bounded on either side by a web 54and on a lower face by the filter 4. The passages 57 extend from theouter rim 51 downwardly towards, and open into, the cylindrical funnel40 at openings 56 defined by the inner extremities of the webs 54.

The cylindrical funnel 40 comprises an outer tube 42 surrounding aninner discharge spout 43. The outer tube 42 forms the exterior of thecylindrical funnel 40. The discharge spout 43 is joined to the outertube 42 at an upper end of the discharge spout 43 by means of an annularflange 47. The discharge spout 43 comprises an inlet 45 as an upper endwhich communicates with the openings 56 of the passages 57 and an outlet44 at a lower end through which the prepared beverage is discharged intoa cup or other receptacle. The discharge spout 43 comprises afrusto-conical portion 48 at an upper end and a cylindrical portion 58at a lower end. The cylindrical portion 58 may have a slight taper suchthat it narrows towards the outlet 44. The frusto-conical portion 48helps to channel beverage from the passages 57 down towards the outlet44 without inducing turbulence to the beverages. An upper surface of thefrusto-conical portion 48 is provided with four support webs 49equi-spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 40. Thesupport webs 49 define channels 50 therebetween. The upper edges of thesupport webs 49 are level with one another and perpendicular to themajor axis X.

The inner member 3 may be formed as a single integral piece frompolypropylene or a similar material as described above and by injectionmoulding in the same manner as the outer member 2.

Alternatively, the inner member 3 and/or the outer member 2 may be madefrom a biodegradable polymer. Examples of suitable materials includedegradable polyethylene (for example, SPITEK supplied by SymphonyEnvironmental, Borehamwood, United Kingdom), biodegradable polyesteramide (for example, BAK 1095 supplied by Symphony Environmental), polylactic acids (PLA supplied by Cargil, Minnesota, USA), starch-basedpolymers, cellulose derivatives and polypeptides.

The laminate 5 is formed from two layers, a first layer of aluminium anda second layer of cast polypropylene. The aluminium layer is between0.02 and 0.07 mm in thickness. The cast polypropylene layer is between0.025 and 0.065 mm in thickness. In one embodiment the aluminium layeris 0.06 mm and the polypropylene layer is 0.025 mm thick. This laminateis particularly advantageous as it has a high resistance to curlingduring assembly. As a result the laminate 5 may be pre-cut to thecorrect size and shape and subsequently transferred to the assemblystation on the production line without undergoing distortion.Consequently, the laminate 5 is particularly well suited to welding.Other laminate materials may be used including PET/Aluminium/PP,PE/EVOH/PP, PET/metallised/PP and Aluminium/PP laminates. Poll laminatestock may be used instead of die cut stock.

The cartridge 1 may be closed by a rigid or semi-rigid lid instead of aflexible laminate.

Assembly of the cartridge 1 involves the following steps:

-   -   a) the inner member 3 is inserted into the outer member 2;    -   b) the filter 4 is cut to shape and placed onto the inner member        3 so to be received over the cylindrical funnel 40 and come to        rest against the annular frame 41;    -   c) the inner member 3, outer member 2 and filter 4 are joined by        ultrasonic welding;    -   d) the cartridge 1 is filled with one or more beverage        ingredients;    -   e) the laminate 5 is affixed to the outer member 2.

These steps will be discussed in greater detail below.

The outer member 2 is orientated with the open bottom 12 directedupwards. The inner member 3 is then inserted into the outer member 2with the outer rim 51 being received as a loose fit in an axialextension 14 at top 11 of the cartridge 1. The cylindrical extension 18of the outer member 2 is at the same time received in the upper portionof the cylindrical funnel 40 of the inner member 3. The third portion 21of the cylindrical extension 18 is seated inside the cylindrical funnel40 with the closed lower face 31 of the cylindrical extension 18 bearingagainst the support webs 49 of the inner member 3. The filter 4 is thenplaced over the inner member 3 such that the filter material contactsthe annular rim 51. An ultrasonic welding process is then used to jointhe filter 4 to the inner member 3 and at the same time, and in the sameprocess step, the inner member 3 to the outer member 2. The inner member3 and filter 4 are welded around the outer rim 51. The inner member 3and outer member 2 are joined by means of weld lines around the outerrim 51 and also the upper edges of the webs 54.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 21, the outer member 2 and inner member 3when joined together define a void space 130 in the interior 120 belowthe annular flange 41 and exterior the cylindrical funnel 40 which formsa filtration chamber. The filtration chamber 130 and passages 57 abovethe annular frame 41 are separated by the filter paper 4.

The filtration chamber 130 contains the one or more beverage ingredients230. The one or more beverage ingredients are packed into the filtrationchamber 130. For a filtered style beverage the ingredient is typicallyroast and ground coffee or leaf tea. The density of packing of thebeverage ingredients in the filtration chamber 130 can be varied asdesired. Typically, for a filtered coffee product the filtration chamberof the first embodiment of cartridge contains between 5.0 and 10.2 gramsof roast and ground coffee in a filtration bed of thickness of typically5 to 14 mm. Optionally, the interior 120 may contain one or more bodies,such as spheres, which are freely movable within the interior 120 to aidmixing by inducing turbulence and breaking down deposits of beverageingredients during discharge of the beverage.

The laminate 5 is then affixed to the outer member 2 by forming a weld126 around the periphery of the laminate 5 to join the laminate 5 to thelower surface of the outwardly extending flange 35. The weld 126 isextended to seal the laminate 5 against the lower edge of thecylindrical wail 27 of the inlet chamber 26. Further, a weld 125 isformed between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the outer tube 42 ofthe cylindrical funnel 40. The laminate 5 forms the lower wall of thefiltration chamber 130 and also seals the inlet chamber 26 andcylindrical funnel 40. However, a small gap 123 exists prior todispensation between the laminate 5 and the lower edge of the dischargespout 43. A variety of welding methods may be used, such as heat andultrasonic welding, depending on the material characteristics of thelaminate 5.

Advantageously, the inner member 3 spans between the outer member 2 andthe laminate 5. The inner member 3 is formed from a material of relativerigidity, such as polypropylene. As such, the inner member 3 forms aload-bearing member that acts to keep the laminate 5 and outer member 2spaced apart when the cartridge 1 is compressed. It is preferred thatthe cartridge 1 is subjected to a compressive load of between 130 and280N in use. The compressive force acts to prevent the cartridge failingunder internal pressurisation and also serves to squeeze the innermember and outer member 2 together. This ensures that the internaldimensions of passageways and apertures in the cartridge 1 are fixed andunable to change during pressurisation of the cartridge 1.

As shown in FIG. 21, the clamping surface 18 a at the bottom of therecess in the upper surface of the outer member 2 and the bottom surfaceof the laminate 5 are separated by a distance d which is fixed by therelative dimensions of the inner member 3 and outer member 2.

To use the cartridge 1 it is first inserted into the beveragepreparation machine (as will be described below) and the inlet 121 andoutlet 122 are opened by piercing members of the beverage preparationmachine which perforate and fold back the laminate 5. An aqueous medium,typically water, under pressure enters the cartridge 1 through the inlet121 into the inlet chamber 26 at a pressure of between 0.1-2.0 bar. Fromthere the water is directed to flow through the slots 30 and round themanifold 16 and into the filtration chamber 130 of the cartridge 1through the plurality of slots 17. The water is forced radially inwardlythrough the filtration chamber 130 and mixes with the beverageingredients 200 contained therein. The water is at the same time forcedupwardly through the beverage ingredients. The beverage formed bypassage of the water through the beverage ingredients passes through thefilter 4 and filtration apertures 55 into the passages 57 lying abovethe annular frame 41. The sealing of the filter 4 onto the spokes 53 andthe welding of the rim 51 with the outer member 2 ensures that there areno short-circuits and all the beverage has to pass through the filter 4.

The beverage then flows downwardly along the radial passages 57 formedbetween the webs 54 and through the openings 56 and into the cylindricalfunnel 40. The beverage passes along the channels 50 between the supportwebs 47 and down the discharge spout 43 to the outlet 44 where thebeverage is discharged into a receptacle such as a cup.

Preferably, the beverage preparation machine comprises an air purgefacility, wherein compressed air is forced through the cartridge 1 atthe end of the dispense cycle to flush out the remaining beverage intothe receptacle.

The cartridge 1 is provided on the laminate with a barcode 320 as shownin FIG. 10. The barcode 320 is formed from a plurality of bars ofcontrasting colour. Preferably the bars are black on a white backgroundto maximise the contrast. The barcode 320 is not required to conform toa published standard but a standard format for barcodes, such as EAN-13,UPC-A, or Interleaf 2 of 5 may be used.

FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment of beverage cartridge 1 according tothe present invention. Like components between the first and secondembodiments have been referenced with like numerals. Mary of thecomponents and functions of the second embodiment of cartridge 1 are thesame as for the first embodiment; However, it can be seen from FIG. 22that the cartridge has a greater overall height compared to thecartridge shown in FIG. 21. The outer member 2 is taller and therebydefines a larger void space 130 in which a larger quantity of beverageingredients can be stored. The second embodiment of cartridge istherefore suitable for dispensing larger volumes of beverage. Thediameter of the outer member 2 and cartridge 1 are the same as in thefirst embodiment. Typically the storage volume of the cartridge 1 whenassembled is 50 to 58 ml±20%. As with the first embodiment, the uppersurface of the outer member 2 is provided with a recess having aclamping surface 18 a located at a bottom thereof. According to thepresent invention, the separation, d, between surface 18 a and theunderside of the laminate 5 is the same as for the first embodiment. Asa result, the elongated recess extends approximately 60% of the distancetowards the laminate 5. This advantageously allows for a simplifiedclamping arrangement to be used as described below.

The first and second embodiments of cartridge 1 described above aregiven as examples of the type of cartridge that embody the presentinvention. Other cartridges of a similar type may be provided, inparticular with different inner members 3 which are suitable fordispensing other beverage types, for example foamed milk, espresso-stylecoffee and chocolate.

Beverage Preparation Machine

As shown in FIG. 1 a the housing 210 contains and holds in position theother components of the machine 201. The housing 210 preferably made inwhole or in part from a robust plastics material such as ABS.Alternatively, the housing 210 can be made in whole or in part from ametallic material such as stainless steel or aluminium. The housing 210preferably comprises a clam-shell design having a front half 211 and arear half 212 which allow access during assembly for fitting of themachine 201 components and can afterwards be joined together to definean interior 213 of the housing 210. The rear half 212 provides a recess214 for the attachment of the water tank 220. The housing 210 is formedwith means, such as detents, abutments, bosses and threaded portions,for retaining the components of the machine 201 in position without theneed for a separate chassis. This reduces the overall cost and weight ofthe machine 201. A base 215 of the housing 210 is preferably providedwith feet for standing the machine thereon in a stable manner.Alternatively, the base 215 itself may have a shape forming a stablesupport.

The front half 211 of the housing 210 comprises a dispense station 270where dispensation of the beverage takes place. The dispense station 270comprises a receptacle stand 271 having a hollow interior forming a driptray 272. An upper surface 273 of the receptacle stand is provided witha grill 274 on which the receptacle is positioned. The drip tray 272 isremovable from the housing 210 to ease emptying of the collected water.A recess 275 is formed in the front half of the housing 210 above thereceptacle stand 271 to accommodate the dimensions of the receptacle.

The brew head 250 is located towards the top of the housing 210 abovethe receptacle stand as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Preferably, theheight of the grill 274 relative to the brew head 250 can be adjusted toaccommodate different sizes of receptacle. It is preferred that thereceptacle is as close to the brew head 250 as possible, whilst stillallowing the receptacle to be inserted and withdrawn from the dispensestation 270, so as to minimise the height that the dispensed beveragehas to descend before contacting the receptacle. This acts to minimisespraying and splashing of the beverage and minimise loss of entrainedair bubbles where these are present. Preferably receptacles of between70 mm and 110 mm in height can be inserted between the grill 274 andbrew head 250.

The machine user interface 240 is located on the front of the housing210 and comprises a start/stop button 241, and a plurality of statusindicators 243-246.

The status indicators 243-246 preferably include a light emitting diode(LED) 243 to indicate readiness of the machine 201, a LED 244 toindicate if an error has occurred in the machine 201 operation, and oneor more LEDs 245-255 to indicate whether the machine 201 is operating inmanual or automatic modes. The LEDs 243-246 may be controlled toilluminate at a constant intensity, to flash intermittently, or bothdepending on the status of the machine 201. The LEDs 243-246 may have avariety of colours including green, red and yellow.

The start/stop button 241 controls commencement of the dispense cycleand is a manually operated push-button, switch or similar.

A volume adjustment control may be provided to allow a user of themachine 201 to manually adjust the volume of the delivered beveragewithout altering the other operating characteristics. Preferably thevolume adjustment control allows an adjustment in volume of plus orminus 20%. The volume adjustment control may be a rotary knob, a linearslider, a digital readout with increment and decrement buttons, orsimilar. More typically, volume is controlled by a user operating thestart/stop button 241.

A manual power switch (not shown) may be provided on the machine 201.Alternatively, power supply can be controlled simply by insertion orremoval or the power supply plug from the mains power supply.

The water tank 220 is located to the rear of the housing 210 and isconnected to the rear half 212 of the housing 210. The water tank 220comprises a generally cylindrical body 221 which may be right circularor a frustum as desired for aesthetic reasons. The tank comprises aninlet for filling the tank with water which is closed off in use by amanually removable lid 222. An outlet is provided towards a lower end ofthe tank which communicates with the water pump 230. The water tank 220may be made from a transparent or translucent material to allow aconsumer to view the quantity of water remaining in the tank.Alternatively, the water tank 220 may be made from an opaque materialbut have provided a viewing window therein. In addition, or in place ofthe above, the water tank 220 may be provided with a low level sensorwhich prevents operation of the water pump 230 and optionally triggers awarning indicator, such as an LED, when the water level in the tankdescends to a preselected level. The water tank 220 preferably has aninternal capacity of approximately 1.5 litres.

The water pump 230 is operatively connected between the water tank 220and the water heater 225 as shown schematically in FIG. 8 and iscontrolled by the control processor. The pump provides a maximum flowrate of 900 ml/min of water at a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar.Preferably, in normal use, the pressure will be limited to 2 bar. Theflow rate of water through the machine 201 can be controlled by thecontrol processor to be a percentage of the maximum flow rate of thepump by cycle chopping the electrical supply to the pump. Preferably thepump can be driven at any of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%or 100% of the maximum rated flow rate. The accuracy of the volume ofwater pumped is preferably + or −5% leading to a + or −5% accuracy inthe final volume of the dispensed beverage. A suitable pump is theEvolution (RTM) EP8 pump produced by Ulka S.r.l. (Pavia, Italy). Avolumetric flow sensor (not shown) is preferably provided in the flowline either upstream or downstream of the water pump 230. Preferably,the volumetric flow sensor is a rotary sensor.

The water heater 225 is located in the interior of the housing 210. Theheater 225 has a power rating of 1550 W and is able to heat waterreceived from the water pump 230 from a starting temperature ofapproximately 20° C. to an operating temperature of around 85° C. inunder 1 minute. Preferably the dwell time between the end of onedispense cycle and the heater 225 being able to commence a subsequentdispense cycle is less than 10 seconds. The heater maintains theselected temperature to within + or −2° C. during the dispense cycle.The water for the dispense cycle may be delivered to the brew head 250at 83° C. or 93° C. The heater 225 is able to quickly adjust thedelivery temperature to either 83° C. or 93° C. from a nominal watertemperature of 85° C. The heater 225 comprises an over-temperaturecut-off which shuts off the heater if the temperature exceeds 98° C.Water output from the heater 225 is fed to the brew head 250 by means ofa three-way valve. If the pressure of the water flow is acceptable thewater is passed to the cartridge 1. If the pressure is below or abovepredetermined limits then the water is diverted by means of thethree-way valve into the drip tray recovery receptacle 270.

The air compressor 235 is operatively connected to the brew head 250 bymeans of a one-way valve and controlled by the control processor. Theair compressor 235 provides a maximum flow rate of air of 500 ml/min at1.0 bar. In use a working volume of 35 ml is pressurised to 2.0 bar.Preferably, the air compressor 235 can produce two flow rates: a fast(or maximum) flow rate and a slow flow rate.

The control processor of the beverage preparation machine 201 comprisesa processing module and a memory. The control processor is operativelyconnected to, and controls operation of, the water heater 225, tracerpump 230, air compressor 235 and user interface 240.

The memory of the control processor includes one or more variables forone or more operational parameters for the beverage preparation machine201. The operational parameters are the temperature of the water passedthrough the beverage cartridge 1 during the operating stage, the speedof charging the beverage cartridge 1, the presence or otherwise of asoak step, the total dispensed volume of the beverage, the flow rate ofthe water during the discharge stage, and the flow rate and period ofthe purge stage.

The variables for the operational Parameters are stored in the memory.The cartridge 1 comprises a code provided on or in the cartridge 1representing the operational parameters required for optimaldispensation of the beverage in that cartridge 1. The code is in binaryformat and comprises a plurality of data bits corresponding to thevariables stored in the control processor memory.

The brew head 250 is shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. The holder 251 of the brewhead 250 comprises a fixed lower part 255, a rotatable upper part 256and a pivotable cartridge mount 257 positioned inbetween the fixed lowerpart 255 and the rotatable upper part 256. The upper part 256, lowerpart 255 and cartridge mount 257 are rotated about a common hinge axis258. FIGS. 4 to 7 show the holder 251 with some components of themachine 201 omitted for clarity.

The rotatable upper part 256 and pivotable cartridge mount 257 are movedrelative to the fixed lower part 255 by means of a clamping mechanism280. The clamping mechanism 280 comprises a clamping lever having firstand second members or parts 281 and 282. The first part 281 of theclamping lever comprises a U-shaped arm which is pivotably mounted tothe upper part 256 at two first pivot points 283, one on each side ofthe holder 251.

The second part of the clamping lever comprises two over-centre arms282, one on each side of the holder 251 which are each pivotably mountedto the upper part 256 at a second pivot point 285 located on the hingeaxis 258 coupling the upper part 256 to the fixed lower part 255. Eachover-centre arm 282 is a reciprocal member comprising a cylinder 282 a,a stem 282 b and a resilient sleeve 282 c. The cylinder 282 a has aninternal bore and is rotatably mounted at one end at the hinge axis 258.A first end of the stem 282 b is slidingly received in the bore of thecylinder 282 a. The opposite end of the stem 282 b is rotatably mountedto the U-shaped arm 281 at a third pivot point 286. The third pivotpoints 286 are unconnected to; and freely moveable relative to, theupper part 256 and lower part 255. The resilient sleeve 282 c is mountedexternally on the stem 282 b and extends, in use, between abutmentsurfaces on the cylinder 282 a and stem 282 b. The resilient sleeve 282c accommodates shortening of the over-centre arm 282 but biases theover-centre arm 282 into an extended configuration. Movement of thethird pivot points 286 towards and away from the hinge axis 258 is thuspossible by relative movement of the stems 282 b in the cylinders 282 a.The resilient sleeves 292 c are preferably formed from silicone. Whilstthe illustrated embodiment uses two over-centre arms 282, it will beapparent that the closure mechanism my be configured with only oneover-centre arm 282.

The U-shaped arm 281 extends around the front of the holder 251 andcomprises two downwardly dependant hook members 287, one on each side ofthe holder 251, each comprising a cam, surface 288 facing the hinge axis258. The fixed lower part 255 of the holder 251 is provided with tobosses 259, or detents, located one on each side of the lower part 255at or near a front edge 260 thereof aligned generally with the hookmembers 287.

As shown in FIG. 4, the U-shaped arm 281 may be formed from a one pieceplastics moulding comprising an ergonomic hand grip and the hook members281 integral to the arm.

The cartridge mount 257 is rotatably mounted between the upper and lowerparts 255, 256 of the holder 251. The mount 257 is provided with asubstantially circular recess 290 which receives in use the beveragecartridge 1. The recess 290 includes an irregularity 291 foraccommodating the handle portion 24 of the beverage cartridge 1 whichalso acts to prevent rotation of the beverage cartridge 1 in the holder251. The cartridge mount 257 is sprung relative to the fixed lower part255 such that in the open position, as shown in FIG. 7, the cartridgemount 257 is biased out of contact with the fixed lower part 255 so thatthe cartridge mount 257 is moved out of contact with the outlet andinlet piercer members 254, 253. The cartridge mount 257 is provided withan aperture 292 for receiving therethrough the inlet and outlet piercers253, 254 and a head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252 when thecartridge mount 257 is moved into the closed position.

The upper part 255 comprises a generally circular body 310 housing acircular viewing window 312 through which a consumer can view thebeverage cartridge 1 during a dispense cycle and also visually confirmwhether a cartridge 1 is loaded in the machine 201. The viewing window312 is cup-shaped having a downwardly directed rim 311. In addition,according to the present invention, the viewing window 312 is providedwith a clamping member in the form of an inwardly directed tubularextension 500 as shown in FIG. 7. The extension 500 is directed towardsthe lower part 256 and lies within the volume of the brew head when inthe closed position as shown in FIG. 6. The viewing window 312 is ableto move axially relative to the body 310 of the upper part 255. Onearrangement of accomplishing the relative movement is to provide a wavespring (not shown), or similar resilient means such as a rubberisedring, positioned between the viewing window 312 and the circular body310. In an alternative arrangement, a series of helical compressionsprings (not shown) are provided extending between the viewing window312 and the body 310. In both cases the resilient means allows theviewing window 312 to move axially relative to the circular body 310 bya small degree.

When the holder 251 is in the closed position, a distal end 501 of thetubular extension 500 of viewing window 312 bears against the clampingsurface 18 a of the beverage cartridge 1 biasing it against the lowerpart 256 as shown in FIG. 6 (in which the arrangement is illustratedcontaining a cartridge according to the second embodiment previouslydescribed). The pressure exerted by the tubular extension 500 on theouter member 2 ensures a fluid tight seal between the cartridge 1 andthe holder 251. It should be noted that the height of the viewing window312 and hence also the brew head is such that cartridges of variousheights can be inserted. In FIG. 6 the arrangement is shown with therelative tall cartridge of the second embodiment described above. Thesame brew head can also accommodate the shorter cartridge of the firstembodiment. In this case there will be a gap between the upper surface11 or the cartridge 1 and the window 312. However the cartridge 1 isfully sealed at inlet and outlet by the pressure applied by the tubularextension 500.

The lower part 255 comprises the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 andthe head 300 of the cartridge recognition means 252. The inlet piercer253 comprises a hollow needle-like tube 260 having a sharpened end 261for perforating the laminate 5 of the beverage cartridge 1 in use. Theinlet piercer 253 is in fluid communication with a water conduit 262 asshown in FIG. 7 which passes through the lower part 255 and is connectedto an outlet conduit 263 of the water heater 225. The outlet piercer 254is similar in type to the outlet piercer described in the applicants'sEuropean patents ES 0 389 141 and EP 0 334 572 and comprises an openended cylinder 264 of circular or D-shaped cross-section havingdimensions larger than the discharge spout 43. An arcuate portion 265 ofthe upper end of the outlet piercer 254 is serrated to pierce andeventually cut the laminate of the beverage cartridge 1. The remainderof the upper end is cut back longitudinally of the cylinder at least tothe base of the teeth 266 of the serrated portion to fold or pull thecut laminate 5 away from the outlet aperture before the beverage isdispensed therethrough. The outlet piercer 254 pierces the laminate 5externally of the discharge spout 43 and when the cartridge mount 257 isin the closed position, rests in the annulus between the discharge spout43 and the outer wait 42 of the discharge funnel 40. The outlet piercer254 folds back the cut laminate 105 into the annulus. Thereby both theoutlet piercer 254 and the cat laminate 105 are held out of the way ofthe discharged beverage.

The outlet piercer 254 is surrounded by a ledge 254 a which is raisedrelative to its surroundings by 0.5 mm.

Advantageously, the outlet piercer 254 is removable from the lower part255 to enable it to be thoroughly cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher.The removable outlet piercer 254 is received in a recess 267 in thelower part 255 where it is seated. The inlet piercer 253 and/or theoutlet piercer 254 may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, orfrom a plastics material. Advantageously, the use of plastic cuttingelements is enabled by use of a laminate 5 which is able to be puncturedand cut by a non-metallic material. Consequently, the piercers 253, 254can be made less sharp which lowers the risk of injury to the consumer.In addition, plastic piercing elements are not prone to rust.Preferably, the inlet piercer 253 and the outlet piercer 24 are formedas a single, integral unit which is removable from the lower part 255.

In use, the upper part 256 of the holder 251 is movable from an openposition in which it is orientated vertically or towards the vertical asshown in FIG. 1 b, to a closed position in which it is orientatedsubstantially horizontally and in interengagement with the fixed lowerpart 255 and cartridge mount 257. The upper part 256 is moved from theopen to the closed positions by operation of the clamping lever. Toclose the upper part 256 a user takes hold of the clamping lever by theU-shaped arm 281 and pulls downwards. Consequently, the upper part 256rotates which first brings the tubular extension 500 of the viewingwindow 312 into contact with the clamping surface 18 a of the beveragecartridge 1. Continued rotation of the upper part 256 rotates the upperpart 256 and cartridge mount 257 down into contact with the lower part255. Further rotation of the U-shaped arm 281 causes the U-shaped arm281 to rotate relative to the upper part 256 and the lower part 255resulting in the hook members 287 of the upper part 256 engaging thebosses 259 of the lower part 255 with the cam surface 288 riding overthe bosses 259. During this last stage of rotation the cartridge 1 iscompressed between the cartridge mount 257 and the viewing window 312.As a result, the viewing window 312 is moved axially slightly relativeto the circular body 310 of the upper part 256 against the bias of thewave spring or helical springs. This movement allows for a take up oftolerances in the beverage cartridge 1 and beverage preparation machineand ensures that the amount of compressive force applied to thecartridge is kept within an acceptable range. The clamping force of themechanism as moderated by the action of the wave spring or helicalsprings ensures a clamping pressure on the cartridge. It has been foundthat a pressure of between 50N and 280N is required. It will be notedthat a lower pressure level is possible with this arrangement without adeleterious effect on the sealing of the cartridge 1. During closure ofthe brew head the laminate 5 of the cartridge 1 is tensioned as it isbrought into contact with the ledge 254 a surrounding the outlet piercer254 which causes the laminate 5 to flex out of plane as the distal endof the outer tube 42 of the cylindrical funnel is moved upwardly by 0.5mm relative co the flange 35. This movement also ensures that the greatmajority of the compressive force applied to the cartridge acts throughthe central region of the cartridge 1 through the load-bearing innermember 3. These clamping forces help prevent failure of the cartridge 1during pressurisation and also ensure that the inner member 3 and outermember 2 are fully seated relative to one another and thus that allinternal passageways and apertures remain at their intended dimensionseven during internal pressurisation.

In the closed position, the separation of the distal end 501 of thetubular extension 500 and the lower part 256 is shown by reference D inFIG. 6. This distance is fixed by the dimensions of the viewing window312, body 310 and lower part 256. The distance D is chosen to be thesame or marginally smaller than the distance d between the clampingsurface 18 a and laminate under surface of the cartridges 1. In thisway, on closure of the brew head the cartridges 1 are subjected to afixed, known degree of compression. In addition, both the first andsecond embodiments or cartridge can be clamped with the same degree ofcompression since distance d is the same for both cartridge types.

An imaginary datum line can be drawn between the first and second pivotpoints 283, 285 of the holder 251. As can be seen in FIG. 7, in the openposition the third pivot points 286 are located on the side of the datumling nearest the fixed lower part 255. As the upper part 256 reaches theclosed position, the third pivot points 286 of the clamping lever passthrough the datum line joining the first and second pivot points 283,285 to the opposite side of the line, furthest from the fixed lower part255. Consequently, the U-shaped arm 281 ‘snaps through’ from a firststable position to a second stable position. The snap through action isaccommodated by shortening of the over-centre arms 282 and consequentialcompression of the resilient sleeves 282 c. Once the third pivot points286 are past the imaginary datum line then recovery of the resilientsleeves 282 c acts to continue the motion of the third pivot points 286away from the imaginary datum line. The clamping lever thus has abi-stable operation in that the lever is stable in the open or closedpositions but unstable at the point when the third pivot points 286 lieon the imaginary datum line joining the first and second pivot points283, 285. Thus, the snap-through action of the clamping lever provides apositive closure mechanism which leads to a definite closure actionwherein in the final stages of the clamping lever's rotation, thesnap-through action of the U-shaped arm 281 and -second arms 284 forcesthe hook members 287 firmly into engagement with the bosses 259. Inaddition, the resilient sleeves 282 c provide a resistance to re-openingof the upper part 256 since a minimum force is required to compress thesleeves 282 c sufficiently to movie the third pivot points 286 back intoline with the datum line joining the first and second pivot points 283,285. Advantageously, the interengagement of the hook members 287 and thebosses 259 prevents separation of the upper and lower parts other thanby rotation of the clamping lever. This is useful in preventing openingof the brew head 250 during operation when the brew head 250 is subjectto internal pressurisation.

The purpose of the recognition means 252 is to allow the machine 201 torecognise the type of beverage cartridge 1 that has been inserted and toadjust one or more operational parameters accordingly. In a typicalembodiment, the recognition means 252 comprises an optical barcodereader which reads the printed barcode 320 provided on the laminate 5 ofthe beverage cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. 10 and discussed above. Theoptical barcode reader comprises one or more LEDs 321 to illuminate thebarcode 320, a focusing lens 322 to acquire an image of the barcode, acharge coupled device (CCD) 323 for producing an electrical signalrepresentative of the acquired image and support circuitry for the LEDsand CCD. The space in the lower part for accommodating the barcodereader is limited. A mirror or mirrors 324 may be used to reflect thelight from the LEDs 321 to a focussing lens which is not located in thelower part 255. Schematic arrangements are shown in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b.The lower part 255 comprises an aperture 326 which is the same size asthe barcode 320 on the beverage cartridge 1. The aperture 320 is closedby a window, preferably glass, which can transmit the signals producedby the barcode reader. In use the electrical signals produced aredecoded by signal processing software and the results forwarded to thecontrol processor. The software can recognise whether the read of thebarcode contained errors, although the occurrence of these is minimisedas described above by specific location of the barcode 320 relative tothe inlet. The barcode 320 may be rescanned a number of times before anerror message is presented to the consumer. If the machine 201 is unableto read the barcode the consumer is able to use the beverage cartridge 1to dispense a beverage using a manual mode of operation. Alternatively,an RFID reader is provided to read an RFID located on the cartridge 1.

The brew head 250 may also include a cartridge sensor for detectingwhether a cartridge is present in the holder 251.

The brew head 250 may also include a lock sensor which detects whetherthe holder 251 is properly closed. Preferably the lock sensor comprisesa micro-switch which is triggered when the holder 251 is closed andlocked. Preferably the cartridge sensor and lock sensor are connected inseries such that the output or both sensors must be satisfactory, i.e.cartridge present and mechanism locked, before the dispense cycle can becommenced.

Operation of the machine 201 comprises insertion of a beverage cartridge1 into the brew head 250, carrying out a dispense cycle in which thebeverage is dispensed and removal of the cartridge 1 from the machine.

The operational behaviour of the machine 201 is determined by softwareembedded in the control processor.

To insert the cartridge 1 the holder 251 is opened as described above toexpose the cartridge mount 257. The cartridge 1 is then placed on thecartridge mount 257 received within the recess 290 such that the handle24 of the cartridge is located in the irregularity 291. The optical ormagnetic barcode 320 or RFID of the cartridge 1 is orientated directlyabove the aperture 326 in the cartridge mount 257. The holder 251 isthen closed by operation of the clamping lever as described above.During closure the inlet and outlet piercers 253, 254 pierce thelaminate 5 of the cartridge 1 to form the cartridge inlet 121 and outlet122. As described above the laminate 5 cut by the outlet piercer 254 isfolded up into the annulus surrounding the discharge spout 43. Whenclosed the holder 251 grips the cartridge 1 around the rim 35 betweenthe cartridge mount 257 and the upper part 256 and/or between the window311 and the top 11 of the cartridge 1 to form a fluid tight seal ofsufficient integrity to withstand the pressures developed during thedispense cycle.

To commence the operating cycle the consumer operates the start/stopbutton 241.

The operating cycle comprises the steps of cartridge recognition and thedischarge cycle.

Cartridge recognition is performed by the optical recognition means 252as described above assuming that the outputs from the cartridge sensorand lock sensor are satisfactory. Once the barcode 320 or RFID has beendecoded the operational parameters of the machine 201 are adjusted bythe control processor. The discharge cycle is then automaticallycommenced.

The discharge cycle has four main stages, not all of which are used forall beverage types:

-   -   (i) Pre-wet    -   (ii) Pause    -   (iii) Brew/Mixing    -   (iv) Purge

In the pre-wet stage the cartridge 1 is charged with water from thewater storage tank 220 by means of the water pump 230. The charging withwater causes the beverage ingredients 200 in the filtration chamber 130to be wetted. The charging may take place at a “fast” flow rate of 600ml/min or a “slow” flow rate of 325 ml/min. The slow charging rate isparticularly useful for cartridges containing viscous liquid beverageingredients where the ingredients require some dilution before they areable to be pumped at a higher volume flow rate. The volume of waterinjected into the cartridge 1 is selected to ensure that water orbeverage does not drip out of the cartridge outlet 122 during thisstage.

The pause stage allows the beverage ingredients 200 to soak in the waterinjected during the pre-wet stage for a predetermined period of time.Both the pre-wetting and soaking stages are known to increase the yieldof the extractibles from the beverage ingredients 200 and to improve theend flavour of the beverage. Pre-wetting and soaking are particularlyused where the beverage ingredients are roast and ground coffee.

In the brew/mixing stage water is passed through the cartridge 1 inorder to produce the beverage from the beverage ingredients 200. Thetemperature of the water is determined by the control processor whichsends instructions to the water heater 225 to heat the water passingfrom the water tank 220 to the brew head 250. Water enters the lowerpart 255 of the holder 251 through the conduit 262 via the inlet valveand the inlet piercer 253 into the inlet chamber 126 of the beveragecartridge 1. Brewing and/or mixing and subsequent dispensing of thebeverage from the beverage cartridge 1 is as described above withreference to the versions of the beverage cartridge 1.

The air purge comprises the blowing of pressurised air through thebeverage preparation machine and the beverage cartridge 1 to ensure thatall beverage is dispensed and that the flow path is cleared ready fordispensing another beverage. The air purge does not commence immediatelyon cessation of the brew/mixing stage to allow for the majority of thefluid to clear the flow path. This prevents an unacceptable spike ininternal pressure on commencement of the air purge.

In normal operation a user manually stops the machine 201 by operatingthe start/stop button 241.

Once the operating cycle has been completed the consumer removes thecartridge 1 by opening the holder 251 and manually removing anddisposing of the cartridge. Alternatively, the machine 201 may beprovided with an automatic ejection mechanism for removing the cartridgeautomatically on opening the holder 251.

1. A beverage preparation machine comprising a brew head for receivingbeverage cartridges of various heights and means for passing an aqueousmedium through said beverage cartridges to form a beverage from one ormore beverage ingredients contained in said cartridges, the brew headcomprising a first part and a second part, the first and second partsbeing movable relative to one another from an open position in whichsaid beverage cartridges can be received in the brew head and a closedposition in which said beverage cartridge can be fixedly retained in abrew head space defined between the first end second parts, the firstpart of the brew head comprising a clamping member which extends withinthe brew head space part-way towards the second part such that a distalend of the clamping member and the second part are a fixed distance fromone another when the first and second parts are in the closed position,wherein in use, beverage cartridges of various heights may be clamped inthe brew head space between the distal end of the clamping member andthe second part.
 2. A beverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 1wherein the clamping member is located at or near a centre of the firstpart so as to clamp a beverage cartridge received in the brew head at ornear a centre thereof.
 3. A beverage preparation machine as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the clamping member comprises an extension whichco-operates in use with a recess of the beverage cartridge.
 4. Abeverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the brewhead space has a volume of greater than 50 ml.
 5. A beverage preparationmachine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the brew head space has a heightof between 15 and 30 mm.
 6. A beverage preparation machine as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the clamping member extends towards the second part adistance between 50 and 70% of the height of the brew space.
 7. Abeverage preparation machine as claimed in claim 6 wherein the clampingmember extends towards the second part a distance of approximately 60%of the height of the brew space.
 8. A beverage preparation machine asclaimed in claim 7 wherein, in use, beverage cartridges of at least twoheights may be clamped in the brew head space between the distal end ofthe clamping member and the second part.
 9. A beverage cartridgecomprising a storage volume containing one or more beverage ingredientsand comprising an outer surface having an elongated recess which extendstowards an opposed surface of the cartridge a distance between 50 and70% of the height of the beverage cartridge, the recess being suitablefor receiving in use a clamping member of a beverage preparationmachine, wherein the recess defines a clamping surface for said clampingmember.
 10. A beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 9 defining astorage volume for one or more beverage ingredients of between 40 and 60ml.
 11. A beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 10 wherein the storagevolume for the one or more beverage ingredients is greater than or equalto 50 ml.
 12. A beverage cartridge as claimed in claim 11 wherein theheight of the cartridge is greater than 25 mm.
 13. A beveragepreparation system comprising a beverage preparation machine as claimedin claim 8 and a plurality of beverage cartridges of various heights,wherein each of said beverage cartridges comprises a first clampingsurface on a first side of the beverage cartridge and a second clampingsurface on an opposed side of the beverage cartridge, wherein the firstand second clamping surfaces of each of the beverage cartridges areseparated by a uniform distance equal to or marginally greater than thedistance between the clamping member and the second part of the beveragepreparation machine when in a closed position.
 14. A beveragepreparation system as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of the beveragecartridges comprises a recess on the first side thereof and the firstclamping surface is provided at or near a bottom of said recess.
 15. Abeverage preparation system as claimed in claim in claim 14 wherein,with the first and second parts of the brew head in the closed position,the clamping member is extendable within the recess such that the distalend of the clamping member is contactable with the first clampingsurface.
 16. A beverage preparation system as claimed in claim 15wherein the brew head space is greater than 50 ml.
 17. A beveragepreparation system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the beveragecartridges comprise cartridges of at least two heights which may beclamped in the brew head space between the distal end of the clampingmember and the second part.
 18. A beverage preparation system as claimedin claim 17 wherein the beverage cartridges comprise a first cartridgetype of a first height and storage volume and a second cartridge type ofa second height and storage volume greater than the first cartridgetype.
 19. A beverage preparation system as claimed in claim 18 whereinthe first cartridge type has a height of less than 18 mm and a storagevolume of less than 35 ml.
 20. A beverage preparation system as claimedin claim 19 wherein the second cartridge type has a height of greaterthan 25 mm and a storage volume of greater than or equal to 35 ml.
 21. Amethod of dispensing a single serving of a filtered beverage comprisingthe steps of: providing a beverage cartridge containing one or morebeverage ingredients suitable for brewing in a storage volume; passingan aqueous medium through the one or more beverage ingredients tothereby form a filtered beverage; dispensing said filtered beverage fromthe cartridge into a receptacle; wherein the storage volume of thebeverage cartridge is between 40 and 60 ml; and wherein the volume ofthe dispensed beverage is greater than 400 ml.
 22. A method as claimedin claim 21 wherein the volume of the dispensed beverage is greater than600 ml.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the volume of thedispensed beverage is greater than 700 ml.
 24. A method as claimed inclaim 23 wherein the beverage ingredient is roast and ground coffee,instant coffee, instant tea or leaf tea.
 25. A method as claimed inclaim 24, further comprising the steps of: providing a second beveragecartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients suitable forfoaming in a storage volume; passing an aqueous medium through the oneor more beverage ingredients to thereby form a foamed beverage portion;dispensing said foamed beverage portion from the cartridge into areceptacle to thereby form a cappuccino-style beverage; wherein thestorage volume of the second beverage cartridge is between 40 and 60 ml;and wherein the volume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion isgreater than 200 ml.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein thevolume of the dispensed foamed beverage portion is greater than 300 ml.27. A method as claimed in claim 26 wherein the foamable beverageingredient comprises a liquid milk or 15 milk-based product orchocolate-based product.